If the Detroit Red Wings want to select a defenseman in the first round of next week's NHL draft, Anthony DeAngelo of the OHL's Sarnia Sting could still be on the board when they pick 15th overall.

There's no doubt the 5-foot-11, 175-pound offensive dynamo is highly skilled. But there are questions about his character. Is he a guy the Red Wings would be willing to take a chance on with their highest first-round pick since 1991?

That's a question they'll have to ponder in the next seven days.

DeAngelo is among the top offensive players in the draft – especially on the back end – but he's also had some issues that have raised red flags for many people.

"I made a mistake in what I did and know I was wrong for the comment I made," DeAngelo told NHL.com. "I was deserving of disciplinary actions. It was my fault so I served it and am just ready to play again. The most important thing I learned out of this is that I didn't just hurt myself for being suspended, but I hurt a teammate and the organization.

"I've realized that letting my emotions get to me isn't the best thing for me or the team. I'm a very passionate person and player, and I learned that I need to control that into more positive instead of letting it be negative like it was in that situation. I let the frustration get the best of me and realize it was wrong."

The Red Line Report's scouting reports ranked DeAngelo seventh among the best skaters in the draft – calling him "exceptionally nimble and light on his feet with superb edging. Gets even faster with the puck on his stick" – but ranked DeAngelo No. 1 under the category of "$5 million skills/10 cent heads" and called him the "WORST! TEAMMATE!!EVER!!!"

At the same time, another of Red Line Report's scouting reports called him the 13th-best natural goal scorer in the draft. "Yes, a D-man. Have to make an exception for this dynamic offensive stud since he plays like a forward anyway."

But yet another ranked him among the players having "top 10 talent/bottom 10 character" while calling him at "bad teammate."

In its rankings of the top 100 players available in the draft regardless of position, TSN.ca has DeAngelo No. 15 – right where the Red Wings will be picking if they don't make a deal to move up or down.

DeAngelo, who turns 19 in October, has led OHL defensemen in assists the past two seasons with a total of 105.

In 51 games for Sarnia last season, the right-handed shooting DeAngelo had 15 goals, 56 assists, a minus-34 rating and 90 penalty minutes.

He's ranked No. 14 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

"Anthony is a skilled offensive defenseman," NHL Central Scouting's Chris Edwards told NHL.com. "His puck skill and playmaking ability are excellent. He sees the ice very well and creates offensive scoring chances with great passes. He has a very good shot and gets it on net. Likes to jump up into the rush. He normally makes good decisions with the puck; however he gets himself into trouble when he over-handles the puck."

DeAngelo, who became the youngest player in USHL history when he debuted at age 14, had 30 goals, 122 assists and 196 PIM in 181 career games with Sarnia over three seasons.

"DeAngelo is a smooth skating, offense-generating defenseman who has some very quick feet," Eliteprospects.com says of the New Jersey native. "He's slippery and very creative with the puck. His offensive awareness is incredible but is easily out-muscled in his own" (zone).

A mock draft by CSNPhilly.com thinks DeAngelo will be available right around the time the Red Wings make their first-round pick. CSNPhilly has him going No. 14 to Dallas.

"The Stars need a future power play quarterback in the system," wrote Russ Cohen of CSNPhilly.com. "He's a very gifted passer. He stickhandles well. He sometimes has a turnover in bad spot, but over time he'll fix that. His excellent first pass is among the best in this draft. "

One of The Red Line Report's scouting services that provides mock drafts doesn't see DeAngelo getting picked in the first round but another has him getting taken at No. 23 by Colorado, saying

"We know he can quarterback a PP," said Red Line Reports mock draft, "but only he knows where his head is at. He is the most skilled offensive defenceman in the draft — there's absolutely no question about that."

"Talk about generating buzz! Wow! Creates a lot of excitement with his terrific puck skills and offensive instincts. But unfortunately, just as much of that buzz centres on the attitude and his, shall we say, less than ideal concept of what a good teammate should be. He's a dynamic game-breaker from the blue line with exceptional puck skills. Has no panic in his game. Has his head up at all times scanning for plays. Sees the ice extremely well. His outlets are crisp tape-to-tape.

"Tremendous on the PP, where he can act as either QB or triggerman. Gains the zone with ease, walks the line to create shooting/passing lanes, and can fire bullets or make creative slap-passes. Has to learn when to dump puck in - makes costly turnovers trying to force plays. In a weak draft with so few talented rearguards, we don't see any way he won't be selected in the first round. But talk about buyer beware..."